A countertop is a prominent fixture in any kitchen. More than a design statement, it can be viewed as a link to other kitchen furniture. You can make it stand out, or use it so that another piece of furniture stands out.

Designing your own countertop entails some careful planning because there are many things to consider. Making the colors compliment each other is an example. But sometimes a little play in contrasts goes a long way. Keep in mind that contrasts score well with countertops, and there is no better way to separate elements than effectively mixing cool and warm tones.

But beyond aesthetics, the material to be used is likewise essential. Knowing their characteristics will surely help you decide.

Stainless Steel

The strongest point of stainless steel is its ability to ward off bacteria buildup, making cleaning quite easy. In fact, soap and water will do. No need to worry about scratches as there are stainless steel cleaners available in the market. Stainless steel also compliments majority of the kitchen styles.

Concrete

If you are going for that classic appeal, concrete is your best choice. It is versatile in that you can have it blended with other materials for that unique look. And here’s one thing not many people know: concrete has the ability to capture the heat in your home and release it when the temperature gets back to normal or cools down, making it energy efficient.

Glass

Another material that’s gaining popularity is glass, owing largely to its modern look and neat appearance. It is stain-resistant, and even though it’s a little on the pricey side, glass is still a good choice if you are looking for a truly customizable material. Be sure you have tools like the diamond cup wheel ready if you want to cut glass.

Tile

Because it is also customizable, tile is another material where a cup wheel may come in handy. It is durable, and unlike glass, it is inexpensive, and can be installed by the average DIY guy. Unfortunately, it isn’t very easy to maintain because of all the grout.

Butcher Block

Soldiers of the green revolution may go for butcher block. It is environment-friendly but requires some maintenance due of its soft surface. Because it’s wood, cracks can develop over time. To avoid this, water should always be wiped off. For the same reason, it has a unique, welcoming ambience that is removed from any other material.

Reclaimed Wood

Talk about environment-friendly. Reclaimed wood has a bit of history behind it as it is wood salvaged from old homes, abandoned barns, boatyards, shipping crates, etc. Over the past couple of years, it has gained popularity because of the classic elegance it projects.

There are a number of other materials that can be used for kitchen countertops like the very popular granite, and other natural stones as quartz and soapstone. Pick the one that gives the best character for your kitchen!